Flexible Batteries for Flexible Devices

Flexible displays are the latest trend among modern manufacturers of electronics. But what is the point having a flexible screen if it is poorly compatible with standard electronic components? Conventional lithium-ion batteries do not bend, and therefore, it is high time to invent a new generation of batteries.

Flexible displays are the latest trend among modern manufacturers of electronics. But what is the point having a flexible screen if it is poorly compatible with standard electronic components? Conventional lithium-ion batteries do not bend, and therefore, it is high time to invent a new generation of batteries.

Scientists at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have developed a prototype for a thin-film battery that not only bends, but also stretches. It can even be twisted, if required, and the device will continue working nonchalantly.

Battery contacts are made of a flexible carbon polymer. The same material was used to make the device’s shell. Inside the battery there is a layer of silver plates superimposed on each other like roof tiles. It ensures that the contact does not get lost despite any deformation. A special environmentally friendly gel based on lithium salt serves as the electrolyte.

Before the battery can be put to commercial use, a few more experiments need to be performed, so the introduction of flexible batteries will take some more time.